Summer is a time for fun in the sun, backyard barbecues, and outdoor picnics. Unfortunately, the warm weather also creates the perfect environment for bacteria and other harmful organisms to thrive. This can lead to foodborne illness, which can range from mild discomfort to serious health complications. To keep your family healthy this summer, practicing good food safety habits is important.
Here are some summer food safety tips to keep in mind.
- Wash your hands
Washing your hands before handling food is an important step in preventing the spread of bacteria. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food, especially if you are touching raw meat, poultry, or fish. If you don't have access to soap and water, use hand sanitizer instead.
Bacteria grow rapidly in warm temperatures, so it is important to keep food at the right temperature to prevent the growth of harmful organisms. Cold foods should be kept at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, while hot foods should be kept at or above 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a food thermometer to check the temperature of your food and make sure it is cooked to the proper temperature.
- Keep food at the right temperature
Bacteria grow rapidly in warm temperatures, so it is important to keep food at the right temperature to prevent the growth of harmful organisms. Cold foods should be kept at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, while hot foods should be kept at or above 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a food thermometer to check the temperature of your food and make sure it is cooked to the proper temperature.- Avoid cross-contamination
Cross-contamination occurs when harmful bacteria from one food item are transferred to another. To avoid cross-contamination, use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat, poultry, and fish, and wash them thoroughly with hot, soapy water after use. Make sure to also keep raw meats separate from other foods in your grocery cart and refrigerator.- Cook food thoroughly
Cooking food to the proper temperature is essential to kill any harmful bacteria that may be present. Use a meat thermometer to make sure that meat, poultry, and fish are cooked to the right temperature. Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit, while poultry should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.- Keep foods covered
Covering your food can help prevent contamination from bugs and other pests. Use lids or foil to cover food while it is cooking, and cover it with plastic wrap or foil before storing it in the refrigerator.- Don't leave food out for too long
Food should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. If the temperature is above ninety stages Fahrenheit, meals must now no longer be not noted for a couple of hours. After this time, bacteria can grow rapidly and cause illness. If you are serving food outside, make sure to keep it in a shaded area or use a cooler to keep it at the proper temperature.- Keep your cooler cold
A cooler is an essential item for outdoor picnics and barbecues. To keep your food safe, make sure to keep the cooler at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Use plenty of ice or freezer packs to keep the temperature low, and keep the cooler closed as much as possible to maintain the temperature.- Use safe water sources
When preparing food or drinks, make sure to use safe water sources. If you are unsure about the safety of your tap water, use bottled water instead. When camping or hiking, bring a water filter or boil water for at least one minute to kill any harmful organisms that may be present.- Be aware of food recalls
Stay informed about food recalls and avoid eating any products that have been recalled due to contamination. You can check the Food and Drug Administration's website for the latest food recall information.- Keep your kitchen clean
Keeping your kitchen clean is an important step in preventing the spread of bacteria. Wash countertops, cutting boards, and utensils with hot, soapy water after each use, and sanitize them with a solution of one tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water- Pay attention to expiration dates
Expired food can be dangerous to eat and can increase the risk of foodborne illness. Always check the expiration date on food items before consuming or using them in recipes.- Thaw food safely
When thawing frozen food, it is important to do so safely. Thaw meals withinside the refrigerator, in bloodless water, or withinside the microwave. Never thaw food at room temperature, as this can increase the risk of bacteria growth.- Don't reuse marinades
Marinades can be delicious, but they can also be a breeding ground for bacteria. Never reuse marinades that have come into contact with raw meat, poultry, or fish. If you want to use marinade as a sauce, make sure to cook it to a safe temperature before serving.- Store leftovers properly
Leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. Use shallow containers to store food and make sure they are covered to prevent contamination. Leftovers should be consumed within three to four days; if in doubt, throw them out.- Be cautious with homemade foods
Homemade foods can be delicious but can also be a source of foodborne illness. Make sure to use clean utensils and cook homemade foods to the proper temperature to prevent contamination.By following these summer food safety tips, you can help keep your family healthy and safe during the warmer months. Remember to always wash your hands, cook food to the proper temperature, and store food properly to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Enjoy the season and stay safe!